About Havenwood Wellness
Learn more about the heart behind Havenwood Wellness — and the values that shape every step of the work we do.
A little bit about Darbee
I’ve always believed that healing happens through connection — the kind that feels steady, respectful, and deeply human.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals of all ages and backgrounds, supporting them as they navigate anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, and the quiet, everyday struggles that can feel impossible to name.
As a Mental Health Social Worker and EMDR therapist, my role isn’t to fix or advise from a distance — it’s to create a safe space where you feel understood, where your story matters, and where we can work together to create meaningful, sustainable change.
Opening Havenwood Wellness was about more than starting a practice — it was about creating a space for people to reconnect with themselves, feel less alone, and move toward a life that feels more grounded and true to them.
A little bit about Theresa
With 15 years of experience, I work with people navigating anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, and the impact of past experiences on present-day life. My background includes supporting people through complex trauma, loss, and the process of rebuilding after difficult life events — including (but not limited to) relationship breakdown, family conflict, attachment difficulties, and PTSD or C-PTSD.
I bring a calm, grounded presence to therapy, and I value depth, honesty, and genuine respect for each person's story. I'm particularly attentive to how culture, gender, identity, and life experience shape the way we understand ourselves and move through challenges.
I am an approved therapist with the Blue Knot Foundation and Victims of Crime (NSW & QLD), and I've also worked internationally in human rights and post-conflict settings — work that's given me a deep respect for the wisdom people carry from their own backgrounds and experiences.
I believe we're shaped not only by our personal histories, but by the families, communities, and systems we come from. Understanding that connection is often a meaningful part of moving forward — whether you're working through something specific or simply want to feel more like yourself again.
Let’s begin your healing journey
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Reach out today to take the first step toward clarity, strength, and a life that feels more like your own.
Treatment philosphy
In therapy, there’s no one-size-fits-all. You are the expert in your own life — I’m here to bring structure, support, and evidence-based tools that meet you where you are.
Depending on your goals and what feels right for you, we might work with EMDR to process trauma, use CBT to reframe unhelpful patterns, or draw on ACT and mindfulness to help you live with more intention and self-compassion. Therapy is always a collaboration — and it can shift and evolve as you do.
Most importantly, I work at your pace. Some people come to process big events. Others come to understand themselves better, or to finally feel seen and supported. Whatever your reasons, you’re welcome here.
Our values
These are the values that guide every part of our practice - from the first conversation to the ongoing work we do together.
They’re not just ideas, but principles we hold close in how we listen, relate, and support healing.
Compassion
You’ll be met with warmth, patience, and understanding — not judgment. Compassion is at the heart of everything I do. It means creating a space where your experience is held with care, and where you can begin to be gentler with yourself too.
Connection
Healing happens through relationship. Therapy isn’t just about strategies — it’s about feeling seen, heard, and truly understood. I bring my full, human presence into each session, so we can build a connection that feels genuine and safe.
Integrity
You deserve a therapist who is honest, transparent, and deeply respectful of your story. I work with integrity by being clear, reliable, and aligned with best practices — while always honouring your autonomy and values.
Safety
Emotional safety is the foundation of effective therapy. I take great care to ensure you never feel rushed, judged, or pressured. You set the pace, and we’ll build trust together — so you can explore what matters most without fear.
Growth
Therapy is about more than getting through hard moments — it’s about growing into a fuller, more connected version of yourself. I’ll support your growth in ways that are sustainable, grounded, and tailored to your journey.
Empowerment
While I won’t use this word in a motivational-slogan way, I do believe in helping you feel more confident in your own voice, boundaries, and choices. The goal isn’t to fix you — it’s to walk beside you as you reconnect with your own strength and sense of direction.
Who I work with
I work with individuals aged 12 and over — teens, adults, and older clients — who are navigating things like:
- Anxiety, low mood, or emotional overwhelm
- Childhood trauma, PTSD, or complex trauma
- Grief and loss
- Perfectionism and people-pleasing
- Burnout or life transitions
- Relationship challenges and boundary difficulties
- Feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure of who they are
You don’t need a diagnosis to reach out. If something’s not feeling right, we can work through it together.
Want to know more or see if we’re the right fit?
We’re happy to answer any questions, or you can book a free 15-minute phone consult when you’re ready.